The Feminist Present Episode 51: Sarah Manguso & the Liars marriage makes
Jul 17, 2024
Sarah Manguso, a celebrated poet and author of nine books, joins to discuss her latest work, 'Liars,' which strips down the harsh realities of marriage and normalized misogyny. She shares insights from her own tumultuous divorce during the pandemic, revealing how such experiences fuel creativity. The conversation dives into gender dynamics, the complexities of motherhood, and societal expectations on women, while also highlighting the rise of 'pandemic divorces.' Manguso's reflections challenge traditional narratives, making for a compelling listen.
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Episode notes
Marriage as Domestic Abuse Paradigm
- Traditional marriage often reflects a domestic abuse paradigm skewed by misogyny.
- Significant effort is needed by spouses to counteract inherent cultural biases in marriage.
Divorce Fuels Creative Outlet
- Sarah Manguso's experience with a high conflict divorce inspired her novel Liars.
- Writing helped her express anger she couldn't show in real life during solo parenting.
Abuse Is Often Cumulative
- Abuse in marriage often accumulates through countless small, covert acts rather than one dramatic scene.
- This slow drip of abuse makes the damage feel imperceptible but devastating over time.
